University of Wisconsion - Eau Claire

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Proposal

The Eau Claire Textile Innovation Cohort

30 hours

Community partner: Evening Star Bazaar
Supervisor: Eclypse Armstrong
Beginning date:
2025-04-01
Ending Date:
2025-05-08

Service-Learning Proposal Description

1.

Briefly describe the project and the community need to be addressed.

Answer The Eau Claire Textile Innovation Cohort is a 6-week, 30-hour research-focused program that engages students in sustainability, textile waste solutions, and circular economy innovation. The project addresses the growing issue of textile waste by researching and developing AI-driven textile sorting, material repurposing, and sustainable business models. The community need being addressed is the lack of structured textile waste processing and upcycling solutions, with a focus on positioning Eau Claire as a leader in sustainable material innovation.

2.

What is the mission of the agency or organization?

Answer The mission of Evening Star Bazaar is to bridge sustainability, innovation, and education through circular economy practices. By fostering collaboration between students, faculty, businesses, and community leaders, the organization seeks to redefine waste as an opportunity for economic growth, material innovation, and environmental sustainability.

3.

What skills are required for this project? 

Answer While no prior industry related skills are needed, interest or passion in this initiative is appreciated.

4.

What are the objectives for the student learning and service?

Answer Identify & Research Key Challenges: Understand the economic, technological, and environmental impacts of textile waste. Develop Innovative Solutions: Investigate how automation, AI, and material science can improve textile recycling. Apply Sustainability Concepts: Learn about circular economies, closed-loop systems, and real-world business applications. Engage with Industry & Community Leaders: Build relationships with faculty, local businesses, and environmental advocates. Refine Public Perception of Upcycled Materials: Shift the narrative from waste management to material innovation.

5.

What are the availability requirements for the student?

Answer Commitment: 6 weeks, 30 hours total (5 hours per week) Structured Sessions: Tuesdays & Thursdays, 2.5-hour meetings for research, discussion, development, and theoretical application. Time of day TBD - except mid-afternoon hours.

6.

Additional information (not required).

Answer This program is a research-first initiative, meaning students are not expected to execute solutions fully but rather develop structured, research-backed proposals. The cohort is multi-disciplinary, welcoming students from business, engineering, sustainability, and design backgrounds. Opportunities exist for students to present findings to UWEC faculty, community leaders, and sustainability organizations. This initiative aligns with UWEC’s mission of community-based research and economic sustainability innovation.
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